While there will be a lot of focus on incoming signings this summer, who leaves could be just as interesting
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
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Newcastle United are braced for a busy summer in the transfer window, with the Magpies expected to invest in their first-team squad once again.
There is money to spend after a dry January, with key areas of the squad identifed for improvement. However, with PSR and FFP rules a constant issue, United will have to wheel and deal to ensure they stay on the right side of the balance books.
That could mean some players leave St James' Park, although Newcastle will be desperate to avoid a repeat of last summer's damaging Alexander Isak saga.
They say evey player has their price, but United may have to make some tough decisions in the coming months. Here are 10 players whose futures could change.
Nick Pope
Who would be a goalkeeper? You can make as many saves as you like, but its always the mistakes which are focused on and, unfortunately for Pope, there have been rather too many this season.
He remains United's No 1 despite some high-profile errors, which have proved costly, although he could rightly point to some top-class saves too. Howe is a big fan of the former Burnley shot-stopper, but after last summer's interest in James Trafford, United are going to be linked with more keepers this summer.
Deciding whether they will stick with Pope or turn to someone new could be a big talking point in the transfer window.
Kieran Trippier
The former England defender is a class act. But he also turns 36 just a few weeks into next season. He perhaps didn't expect to play quite as much as he has done this season, thanks to injuries to Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento, but he remains an important player in the dressing room. Trippier was vocal after the 3-2 home defeat to Brentford, and United won their next three.
However, his contract expires this summer, and with Newcastle looking at full-back transfer options, he may decide that he wants one last throw of the dice elsewhere.
Few have done more for the club post-takeover, and a tough decision for both parties awaits.
Fabian Schar
Schar has continued to defy the progress of time with more top-class performances in a United shirt this season. An ankle injury means he won't be back in action until the final weeks of the campaign, and then a call on his future needs to be made.
He is out of contract in the summer, but there could yet be another year's extension on the cards. Much will depend on whether United have identified a central defender to come in to bolster their ranks - in which case Schar or Dan Burn could be at risk.
Nick Woltemade
It's highly unlikely Newcastle will cash in on the £69m German after just one season, but they must decide how they move forward for the benefit of both club and player.
He has undoubted talent, but where he fits into the side remains a bone of contention, with United legend Alan Shearer saying it's becoming an 'issue'.
Few would want him to leave, and it could be that a full summer of pre-season is the perfect time for a reset and unlock his true potential. There will be suitors, though, so United must be clear on their intentions.
Yoane Wissa
You have to feel for the former Brentford striker, who has seen his dream move fail to blossom thanks to a knee injury picked up just days after signing just before the deadline passed. We're yet to see the best of the DR Congo striker, but if Newcastle are to sign a forward this summer, you have to wonder what Wissa's future will be at Newcastle.
They need options up front, however, and are unlikely to get anywhere near what they paid for him, so like Woltemade, he will be hoping for a strong pre-season.
Anthony Elanga
We're starting to see more from the former Nottingham Forest winger, but the question remains whether it's enough to justify that £55m price tag. He was one of the few summer signings to enjoy a full pre-season with the club, but struggled to make an impact in 2025.
He is still only 23, however, and we've seen many times how players blossom under Howe at United. Some take a little longer than others, so it would be a surprise if Elanga was moved on so quickly.
Sandro Tonali
No one wants Tonali to leave. The Italian is one of United's best players, and although he has not matched the heights of last season, he is an integral part of the side. However, if talk of a move to Arsenal or back to Italy persists in the summer, then Newcastle must be firm.
They either get a deal done quickly, on their terms and at the right price, or shut down any speculation immediately. It's not as easy as that, but they must be clear with Tonali - and his agents - on his future. Ideally, it comes to nothing and he continues in black-and-white.
Aaron Ramsdale
Ramsdale was signed on loan from Southampton to challenge Pope for the No 1 spot, but in truth it has not worked out like that for the former Arsenal and Bournemouth keeper.
While he has been solid enough, he has failed to convince Howe and Co that he was worthy of a regular place in the side, and could return to St Mary's in the summer.
Joe Willock
The former Arsenal midfielder is enjoying a new lease if life in 2026, earning a regular place in the starting line-up and starting to show the kind of form which made him a big hit way back in his loan spell of 2022-21.
After two seasons of injury troubles, Willock is making valuable contributions to the side - but if midfield reinforcements arrive, would he be one to make way?
Crystal Palace and Fulham are said to be interested, and as a long-serving player, most of any transfer fee could be transformed into profit as far as PSR and FFP rules are concerned. More performances like we have seen in recent weeks could ensure his future remains on Tyneside.
Will Osula
Howe went on record in January to say Newcastle were not interested in allowing the Denmark U21 international to leave on a permanent deal, but could be open to a loan. If United strengthen their attacking options in the summer again, then Osula could move down the pecking order, and there are plenty of clubs interested in taking him.
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